By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A suspected supporter of the New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested at a checkpoint manned by Escalante City police last Friday afternoon at Sitio Gamao in the city’s Barangay Langub.

Police identified the suspect as 53-year-old Francisco Laza, a resident of the said city. Meanwhile, another suspect, whom police have yet to identify, managed to elude capture.

Escalante City police chief, Police Lt. Colonel Necerato Sabando, Jr., said they flagged down Laza’s motorcycle as part of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) checkpoint process. He and his rider have reportedly tried to escape, but the police managed to arrest Laza on the spot.

A search of the suspect yielded a .38 caliber revolver with five live bullets in the chamber; a fragmentation grenade; and a blue backpack containing streamers etched with the words: “Long Live the 50th anniversary of the NPA, NPA-Roselyn Pelle Command.”

Cops also recovered several subversive documents.

A background check on Laza also determined he was a member of PAMALAKAYA, a group connected with the National Federation of Sugar Workers that allegedly gives support to the NPA.

The suspect is facing multiple charges for resisting arrest, illegal possession of firearms and explosives, and violation of the Comelec gun ban./DGB, WDJ